United States President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, urging Tehran to return to negotiations as the U.S. steps up military deployments toward the Middle East.
In a statement on Truth Social shared by the White House on January 28, Trump invoked the U.S. military operation in Venezuela earlier this month in which deposed leader Nicolas Maduro was captured, as he claimed a powerful American naval force is moving toward the Middle East.
He said a “massive armada” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was heading toward Iran, warning Tehran that the deployment was larger than the force previously sent to Venezuela and capable of swift and violent action if required.
“A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela,” Trump said, adding that the fleet was “ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”
President Trump urged Iran to return to negotiations, insisting that time was running out and repeating his long-standing demand that Tehran abandon any nuclear weapons ambitions.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly “Come to the Table” and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL!”
Also Read: U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise as Trump Deploys C-17 Aircraft and Tankers to Middle East
Drawing a direct comparison to past U.S. actions, Trump referenced what he described as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which he said resulted in major destruction in Iran, and warned that any future military response would be significantly worse.
“The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” Trump added.
His remarks come amid clear signs of increased U.S. military activity: several U.S. Air Force transport aircraft were observed crossing the Atlantic toward Europe overnight on January 24, and many are expected to continue onward to the Middle East.
US Military traffic intensifies
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed multiple U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departing from bases across the United States, including Wrightstown, Camp Springs, Killeen, Omaha, Portsmouth, and St. John’s.
The aircraft were seen following established transatlantic routes toward Europe, indicating a significant movement of personnel and equipment.
The troop and equipment transfers coincide with U.S. plans to conduct multi-day military exercises in the Middle East, as Washington reinforces its presence in the region amid rising tensions with Iran.
Also Read: US Military Traffic Intensifies as Trump Looks to Bomb New Frontiers
U.S. Air Forces Central said the exercises are intended to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, strengthening regional partnerships and preparing forces for flexible response scenarios.
CENTCOM on Monday also confirmed the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Middle East
The nuclear-powered carrier, accompanied by guided missile destroyers, carries several dozen fighter jets and nearly 5,000 sailors, marking the first aircraft carrier deployment to the region under CENTCOM in months.
Additional US air assets, including F-15E Strike Eagles, have been moved closer to the region, while the United Kingdom has deployed Typhoons in what it described as a defensive role.
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